Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCandidatesRisksBenefitsPrognosisFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Candidates
Risks
Benefits
Prognosis
Frequently Asked Questions
Alung transplantinvolves replacing a diseased lung with a healthy lung from a donor. Surgeons can swap out one or both lungs during this operation. Transplantation is an option for people with failing lungs due to a variety of health conditions. If a lung transplant is successful, it can offer many patients a longer, better quality of life.
However, there are also serious risks to consider, including a higher chance of developing certain types of cancer after the transplantation. This risk is attributed to conventional risk factors, such as a history of smoking in both recipients and donors, and to immunosuppression after transplantation.
This article discusses who benefits from a lung transplant, the risks involved, and the likelihood of developing cancer after surgery.
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Types of Donor LungsMost transplanted lungs come from a deceased donor. However, healthy adults may donate a lobe of their lungs for a procedure called a living transplant.
Types of Donor Lungs
Most transplanted lungs come from a deceased donor. However, healthy adults may donate a lobe of their lungs for a procedure called a living transplant.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for a Lung Transplant?
A lung transplant may be a suitable option for some people with the following conditions:
Transplantation is only an option for patients after other treatments have failed. A lung transplant surgery is usually not recommended for people withlung cancerexcept in very select cases.
Healthcare providers use strict criteria for determining who qualifies for a lung transplant. Ideal candidates include those who:
Donor ShortageA shortage of donor lungs is one of the main obstacles healthcare providers face in performing lung transplantation.
Donor Shortage
A shortage of donor lungs is one of the main obstacles healthcare providers face in performing lung transplantation.
What Are the Risks of a Lung Transplant?
Some risks of a lung transplant include:
Risk of Cancer After Lung Transplant
The risk of developing cancer after transplantation is also a concern for people who undergo the surgery. Solid organ transplant recipients, including those who have lung transplants, have a twofold increased risk for developing cancer than the general population.What’s more, these cancers are usually more difficult to treat and have a worse prognosis (expected outcome).
Studies show the most common cancer after a lung transplant issquamous cell cancerof the skin, which is likely due to the intensity of immunosuppression needed to prevent implant rejection.Experts recommend that lung transplant recipients have annual skin cancer screenings.
Additionally, lung transplant recipients have an increased risk oflung cancercompared to the general population.People who have one lung transplanted, as opposed to two, are more likely to develop lung cancer, and it usually occurs in their native lung (the remaining lung they were born with). The risk of lung cancer in the native lung may be linked to history of smoking and underlying smoking-associated conditions, such as emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis.
Lymphomasare also common cancers among transplant recipients.
What Is the Transplant Recovery Process Like?Your recovery will depend on your medical condition, overall health, the success of the surgery, and other factors. People who undergo a lung transplant generally require months to get back to their normal activities.
What Is the Transplant Recovery Process Like?
Your recovery will depend on your medical condition, overall health, the success of the surgery, and other factors. People who undergo a lung transplant generally require months to get back to their normal activities.
What Are the Benefits of a Lung Transplant?
A lung transplant can offer many advantages for patients with end-stage lung failure who are appropriate candidates.
Prolonged life is the biggest benefit. The surgery also increases your chances of having a better quality of life, with better lung function than you had before.
After a lung transplant, everyday activities are easier to perform. Traveling is more feasible and many people report an improved sex life.
How Many Lung Transplants Are Performed Each Year?Lung transplants are not very common. Only about 2,000 people undergo a lung transplant each year in the United States.To put that into perspective, nearly 18,000 kidney transplants are performed each year.
How Many Lung Transplants Are Performed Each Year?
Lung transplants are not very common. Only about 2,000 people undergo a lung transplant each year in the United States.To put that into perspective, nearly 18,000 kidney transplants are performed each year.
Lung Transplant Prognosis
The outlook for lung cancer recipients is improving each year, but survival rates are still relatively low.
Recent statistics have shown 85% of transplant recipients will be alive after one year, and 59% will be alive five years later.Some studies have suggested the median survival is approaching seven years.
Of course, a person’s individual prognosis depends on many factors, including age and overall health.
Summary
While a lung transplant can improve your survival outlook and quality of life, it comes with a set of risks. Cancer is a possible complication. The most common cancers that may develop after a lung transplant include squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma, and lung cancer.
You will have to discuss the benefits and risks of transplantation with a healthcare provider before deciding to undergo the surgery.
A Word From Verywell
A successful lung transplant can be a game-changer for many people with lung failure. Though the risk of cancer does exist, you may be willing to accept this possibility when you consider the benefits transplantation provides. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all of your concerns and stay on top of all your medical appointments after a transplant to identify any signs of cancer early on.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThough rare, lung transplants may be an option for certain patients with lung cancer who have a specific type of early-stage adenocarcinoma.People with cancer that has spread, or metastasized, in the body are not candidates for a lung transplant.The answer might depend on your medical issue, as there are different criteria for different conditions. Some disqualifiers may include having:HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)Bone marrow failureCirrhosis of the liverActive hepatitis BRecent cancerA bone density T score lower than 3.0A history of medical non-complianceActive osteoporosisA drug or nicotine addictionEach patient is different. You will likely have less energy as you recover from surgery and adjust to your new medications. You’ll also have to see your healthcare provider often during your recovery period. Most patients can return to work or school within three to six months.
Though rare, lung transplants may be an option for certain patients with lung cancer who have a specific type of early-stage adenocarcinoma.People with cancer that has spread, or metastasized, in the body are not candidates for a lung transplant.
The answer might depend on your medical issue, as there are different criteria for different conditions. Some disqualifiers may include having:HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)Bone marrow failureCirrhosis of the liverActive hepatitis BRecent cancerA bone density T score lower than 3.0A history of medical non-complianceActive osteoporosisA drug or nicotine addiction
The answer might depend on your medical issue, as there are different criteria for different conditions. Some disqualifiers may include having:
Each patient is different. You will likely have less energy as you recover from surgery and adjust to your new medications. You’ll also have to see your healthcare provider often during your recovery period. Most patients can return to work or school within three to six months.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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